A WHITCHURCH yoga teacher has shared her delight after she was inundated with food donations for the Whitchurch Foodbank.
Madeline Oakden had class members and others making donations after she appealed for help to support the local food charity in the wake of the cost-of-living crisis and seeing people struggling after Christmas.
The donations were dropped off at the foodbank in Church Street on Tuesday, January 17.
Madeline, who owns Yogi Soul-Yoga and Meditation which holds classes in Moo and Boom in Green End, said the appeal was "no-brainer".
She said: "It felt like a bit of a no-brainer really to put it on. January is always a struggle for many people and times are not the easiest at the minute.
"I thought about what I could do to help."
She said she was delighted with the response which led to more bags being filled with food than she expected.
"We raised loads, there were nine big bags full of food," Madeline said.
"It was a really big turnout. I was completely overwhelmed with how much we had.
"It was just beautiful and so kind of everyone.
"In the drop off yesterday, they were so lovely in the foodbank and obviously very happy with the donations."
Madeline said it was her first time visiting a foodbank when she dropped off the donations and she spoke about how people find themselves using one.
She said: "It is always something in which you don't know if you could be using one in the future. Life can sweep you from under your feet.
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"It could be all of us at some point and I had never actually had contact with one before this.
"It is always something which I have been quite mindful and conscious of, which is why it was my first choice.
"I was brought up in Whitchurch, so it made sense to give back and help at a time when I can."
People brought in a wide range of items which Madeline sent to the foodbank.
She said: "We sent a lot of dry food like pasta and tinned products.
"There was a huge range of things which we were advised to bring. I called them beforehand to see if there was anything specific needed.
"It was a beautiful experience and I will definitely be doing it again."
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